I thought last week was going to be the breakout week for the Patriots offense. Of course looking back, that wasn't a very good prediction considering that the Texans' coaches have more experience with the Patriots' offense than most of our current players.
If the Patriots want to win this game and still be in good position to get a bye and possibly home field advantage they need to get into the endzone first. Whether that's a score by the offense, defense or special teams, putting a quick 7 on the board will set the tone in Foxboro. In both of the Patriots losses this season they've allowed their opponent to have an early, sizable lead.
FIRST QUARTER SCORING-Prior to the calendar switching to November, the Patriots were leading the NFL with an average of 10.9 first quarter points. As of today they have slid into position number 2 with an average of 8.1. With most of this season's first quarter points coming from the defense and special teams, poor first quarter offensive play has really been a constant. Is it execution or play calling? While I think it's a combination of both, I think play calling is the bigger problem.
SCORE FIRST- In just about every game this season, the Patriots have had a quick trip into their opponents' red zone. Unfortunately, most of these quick trips have resulted in a maximum of 3 points. Based on my observations and discussions with former NFL players, I think the problem is scripted plays. Instead of getting into the red zone and breaking out some plays designed for that field position or to take advantage of the opponent's defensive struggles, we just run the next play. So instead of trying to get the ball into the endzone and going for the jugular, we run a play which may work great at the 50 yard line just to see what the defense is going to do. While that technique may have worked great in prior years with different offensive weapons, it's not a really good plan with our players limited knowledge and experience.
SCORE FIRST- In just about every game this season, the Patriots have had a quick trip into their opponents' red zone. Unfortunately, most of these quick trips have resulted in a maximum of 3 points. Based on my observations and discussions with former NFL players, I think the problem is scripted plays. Instead of getting into the red zone and breaking out some plays designed for that field position or to take advantage of the opponent's defensive struggles, we just run the next play. So instead of trying to get the ball into the endzone and going for the jugular, we run a play which may work great at the 50 yard line just to see what the defense is going to do. While that technique may have worked great in prior years with different offensive weapons, it's not a really good plan with our players limited knowledge and experience.
RUN THE BALL- It's week 14 and the one position where we are oozing with players is running back. While I don't want to jinx them onto the IR, it would be wise if the Patriots could get some more play out of the running backs. If that means using Burkhead or White out of the slot, or sending Bolden on some deep routes, so be it. Assuming we can get an early lead, running the ball against the Chiefs should be a methodical way to burn the clock and move down the field. Really, regardless of the score the Patriots should take to the ground early and often. The Chiefs are one of the worst run defenses in the league. While their defense as a whole has been getting better, their run defense is getting worse. Feed Sony, feed James, feed Rex, feed Brandon.
3 KEYS TO DEFENSE- As far as I see it, there are three key things the Patriots need to do on defense. The first is play until the play is blown dead. Don't assume Mahomes is sacked or going out of bounds. You know he is a bit of an escape artist who really likes to make an unorthodox pass. Be ready for that pass.
Next is to avoid silly penalties like taunting, offsides, or unneeded pass interference. On a whole, the Chiefs offense has benefitted the most from opponents' defensive penalties with 43. Whilethey supposedly get all of the calls the Patriots have only benefitted from 24 such penalties.
Last is to slow down dirtbag Tyreek Hill. Every single play they need to bounce Hill off his route. So he doesn't start timing when the chuck is going to occur, they need to vary their approach and timing. Obviously, the faster the defense can get the offense back on the field, the less chance Hill has to figure out the defense and get the ball.
Next is to avoid silly penalties like taunting, offsides, or unneeded pass interference. On a whole, the Chiefs offense has benefitted the most from opponents' defensive penalties with 43. Whilethey supposedly get all of the calls the Patriots have only benefitted from 24 such penalties.
Last is to slow down dirtbag Tyreek Hill. Every single play they need to bounce Hill off his route. So he doesn't start timing when the chuck is going to occur, they need to vary their approach and timing. Obviously, the faster the defense can get the offense back on the field, the less chance Hill has to figure out the defense and get the ball.
SPECIAL TEAMS- Field position, field position, field position. Dropping punts inside the 5 and popping the kickoffs through the endzone. While I'm always a fan of a sweet blocked punt, if the Chiefs are punting that means their offense is going to the sideline. I'll take sending Mahomes to the sideline over a questionable penalty every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Today's Sunday.
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